Background on the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) is the national medical specialty society for physiatrist (fizz ee AT trists), physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).

The specialty began in the 1930s to treat musculoskeletal and neurological problems: AAPM&R was founded in 1938. After World War II, as thousands of severely disabled veterans began to return home and look for ways to lead productive lives, the specialty grew rapidly and focused its mission to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities.

AAPM&R serves its members and their patients, other health professionals and society by fostering excellence in physiatric practice, education, and research. AAPM&R has more than 7,000 members, representing nearly 9 in 10 of all practicing PM&R physicians in the United States.